How to Get a Good Deal on a Cruise Vacation

When my husband and I first started cruising over 20 years ago, cruise travel was just gaining popularity. With little competition and a limited number of cruise ships, prices of some cruise lines were out of the reach of many people. Today, cruise travel is very common and sought after by people of all ages and economic status. There are many cruise lines and cruise ships, and, as a result, competition is keen. There are many types of cruises, from the very casual to the formal. Even if you dream of a high-end luxury cruise, you have a good chance at realizing this dream if you do your homework. Here are some tips to pay less to get the most out of your next cruise.

1) Once you decide on a cruise line and its particular cruise destination, there are many ways to book that cruise. You can book directly with the cruise line. You can go to a travel agent, or you can investigate prices for the cruise of your interest on the internet.

2) First check what cruise rates the cruise line is offering. Make sure you understand the different room categories before you call the cruise line. Most cruise ships today have various types of rooms: inside rooms, rooms with a window, and rooms with balconies. If you don't care where you sleep, and just care about enjoying the ship's activities, maybe you don't need a fancy room. If you want a little more luxury, a large outside room or room with balcony may be for you. Once you know what you want, and it's six months or longer before the date of the cruise of your choice, contact the cruise line and ask about any "Early Booking Savings". that can mean a 20% discount on the list price of the cruise.

3) After you get an idea of the cruise line's rates, go to your travel agent or to on-line sites such as vacationstogo.com or others. Compare the prices. Also, ask about any extra charges that may not have been quoted up front. For example, does the price that's quoted include port charges, gratuities, or insurance?

4) Are you a member of AAA (Automobile Club of America) for road service? AAA has a travel department that books all types of travel, including cruises. AAA offers special rates on many cruises, and even offers escorted cruises on the various cruise lines if they can get 50 or more people booked on the cruise. Cruisers booking through AAA also can receive from $50 to $100 per person shipboard credit, in addition to receiving competitive rates. This credit can be used to purchase almost anything onboard.

4) If you don't have to book far ahead for a cruise, and can make relatively last minute plans, the best prices for a cruise are usually offered within a 90 day window of the cruise. At this point, rooms can open up as some cruisers cancel their plans while they can still get a refund. Cruise lines then lower their prices in order to fill the rooms. You may even get an upgraded room at a good price that would not normally be available earlier. If you are in a position to make very last minute plans, cruise lines offer the best rates within a few weeks of a cruise. The selection of rooms might be small, but you can get a real bargain.

5) Always remember to take some type of trip cancellation insurance. Some of the larger cruise lines offer very good insurance for a few hundred dollars a person. Not only does the insurance cover trip cancellation up to the day of departure for medical or family emergencies, but it can cover you for medical emergencies at sea, such as the need to be airlifted. I had to take advantage of the trip cancellation insurance twice in our cruising career, and received a complete refund, minus the cost of the insurance.

6) You might also get a good cruise deal by getting advice from friends or relatives who have cruised. Ask them how they booked their cruise and did they feel they got a good deal. Experienced cruisers can give you great advice on what type of rooms to book, and how to get the best deals.

Cruising today is easy and affordable. You just need to educate yourself about the various cruise lines, cruise rates, and means of booking before you jump to book your cruise.